VALUING EXPLORATORY PLAY

We found that building in time for exploratory play helps children learn so that ideas can be explored. In this clip three children are using their senses as they explore the seeds - they pick up the seeds with their fingers and use the magnifiers to look closely. As they observe, two of the children vocalise what they see: describing the size, “big” and the fact the seeds have a “pattern”.

Exploratory play can be messy but with careful planning it can be safe. Following exploration of the seeds and initiated by one child, the rest of the group begin to explore the properties of the compost. This tactile exploration is useful to their understanding of how the roots of the plant will grow through the compost.